6 Helpful Tips on Finding the Right Method for Cooking Your Food

Sometimes you see a new recipe you would like to try but the cooking method is something you either haven't tried or seen before. Here are 6 of the most common methods of getting the best from the food you prepare for your family to share.

[1] Stewing: This the most economical method of cooking cheaper and tougher cuts of meats. This method consists in cooking the food a long time in sufficient water or broth to cover it, at a temperature slightly below the boiling point. Don't forget to add your spices and/or vegetables to enhance the meat's flavors.

[2] Braising: In this method of cooking, you add vegetable oil or bacon grease by placing 3-5 slices of bacon in the bottom of the pot then adding a layer of mixed root vegetables, [carrots, onions, celery, etc.]. The meat being cooked is placed on the bed of vegetables. Add salt, pepper and [broth or water], enough liquid to cover the vegetables and touch the bottom of the meat, then covered and cooked until tender at a low temperature. The last half hour of cooking, the cover is removed, so that the meat may brown and the excess moisture can evaporate.

[3] Water or liquid boiling: Placing your food in a liquid bath, then heat to the boiling point. Remember slowly boiling has the same effect as boiling rapidly, and will do just the same amount of work. Therefore, do not be wasting fuel by keeping the water at a rapid boil. Once the temperature has been reached, turn the heat down and place a lid on the pot to keep an even soft boil.

[4] Sautéing: This is practically the same as pan-broiling, except that the fat is allowed to remain in the skillet. The food is cooked in a small amount of fat, browning the food on one side and then turning and browning on the other side until it is cooked all the way through. The secret to cooking in this manner is to keep the food moving until it's done.

[5] Frying: While this term is sometimes used in pan frying, it usually consists of cooking by means of immersion in deep, hot fat. When frying meats or fish it is best to let them come to room temperature before cooking, then wipe, to remove as much moisture as possible before placing them in the hot fat. As soon as the food has finished cooking, it should be carefully removed from the fat and drained on a paper towel or brown paper.

[6] Broiling or grilling: You will want to first sear the meat surface all over as quickly as possible, to retain the rich juices, then turning 1-2 times until the food is cooked to the doneness of your choice. Pan-broiling, is cooking the food article in a greased, hissing-hot, cast-iron skillet or other heavy bottomed pan, turning 1 to 2 times to achieve an even browning or strips on the meat. When you start to turn the meat and you feel a resistance, stop, the meat will release from the pan when it has been completely seared. Pulling at the meat will only rip it open and you will loose the juices that make it moist and tender.

Choose the right method to cook the food you have chosen for your family and you are on your way to a delightful evening of food and fun with your family.

Source: Ezine Articles